During the student poster competition, UAH graduate and undergraduate students presented their research to AAS members and guest judges and competed for prizes.

"With most of the symposium being hosted on our campus, the poster competition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the capabilities of UAH's undergraduate and graduate students," says Dave Cook, coordinator of student research programs for UAH's Office of Academic Affairs. Cook notes that the competition has grown tremendously from 12 entries the first year it was held.

Students realize the fantastic opportunity they have to network with AAS members during this event and really step up to the challenge. I think Dr. von Braun would be very proud to see the level of student involvement and the quality of research in which they're involved.

Dave Cook

Coordinator of student research programs

"It's really encouraging that student interest in the poster competition continues to grow from year to year, and the quality of the posters gets better and better as well," he says. "Students realize the fantastic opportunity they have to network with AAS members during this event and really step up to the challenge. I think Dr. von Braun would be very proud to see the level of student involvement and the quality of research in which they're involved.

"The theme of this year's symposium, 'Moving Forward in Exploration,' is an important one and highlights the university's unique position in the space industry," Cook says. "The conference is attended by top aerospace professionals representing the private sector, government and academia, and the proceedings feature several notable speakers and panelists."

Honored symposium speakers this year included NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and Jean-Jacques Dordain, director general of the European Space Agency.